Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Muskan Arora
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) gears up for a crucial juncture in its maiden solar mission, the Aditya-L1, with the success of the entire mission resting on a vital firing manoeuvre scheduled for January 6.
The final burn, set to align the spacecraft with the L1 point, is deemed crucial by ISRO Chairman S Somanath. The success of this manoeuvre, scheduled for 4 pm on January 6, holds the key to the mission's triumph.
Launched on September 2, 2023, the Aditya-L1 mission has showcased precision and technological progress through earth-bound manoeuvres and a Trans-Lagrangean Point 1 Insertion (TL1I) manoeuvre, all leading up to the decisive final firing.
The Chairman emphasized the significance of the upcoming manoeuvre, stating that without the final burn, the spacecraft might deviate towards the Sun due to its larger body, highlighting the delicacy involved in achieving a stable orbit around the L1 point.
The L1 point, located 1.5 million kilometres from Earth in the Sun's direction, provides a unique vantage point for continuous solar observation, aligning with Aditya-L1's mission objectives of studying solar activities without interruptions from eclipses.
Aditya-L1's mission aims to study solar phenomena such as coronal mass ejections and solar flares, offering valuable insights into space weather and its impacts on satellite communications and Earth's power grids.
The final manoeuvre isn't just about reaching the destination but also ensuring the spacecraft's longevity in its orbit. Even after insertion into the halo orbit around L1, periodic adjustments will be required to maintain its position.
ISRO Chairman S Somanath clarified that occasional firings would be necessary even after successful insertion to keep the spacecraft in its designated orbit, highlighting the ongoing maintenance required for Aditya-L1.
A miss in the final manoeuvre could potentially send Aditya-L1 off course, posing a risk to the years of effort and investment poured into the mission. Despite the challenges, ISRO remains optimistic about the mission's success.